Be a Man

[polyphonic_girl]

While I was observing this ENORMOUS, body-building, tan muscle man walk his equally enormous dog down Collins yesterday, I had another realization regarding masculinity. And gender roles. And self-identity. And intellect. And stereotypes

Comments

[soccerrogue]

good point, but isn't everyone faking it on some level? from push-up bras to leather pants?

how depressing.

[polyphonic_girl]

yes, totally. And yes, depressing.

[gleeful_t]

Then what is "femininity"? Not challenging; purely curious: I had to write the essay about my definition.

[polyphonic_girl]

geez. i have no clue. what do you think it is? enlighten, dear katie.

[gleeful_t]

I don't know. I guess, where "masculine" is, to me, solid as a rock and a "press," if you will, of strength questioning itself, "feminine" is mutable, ever-changing, still strong, but fluid. Thoughts.

[polyphonic_girl]

I like that. I was contemplating femininity since you brought it up and before reading this last comment came up with the word fluid, so that's cool. I also have some preoccupation with feminine and the word "confidence". I think it's this sort of over-riding confidence that extends into all aspects of one's life- a confidence in self wants, endevours, a confidence in challange? If that makes any sense? A confidence in sexuality, a confidence in power and the ability to use one's power for good. Also, I think compassion. Not that a man can't be compassionate, or that it's "feminine" for a man to be compassionate (or maybe it is but in a non-gender-assigned way). I do think women are innately more self-less and giving, and hence a fluid and mutable strength. I think femininity is the ability to understand others and be a pillar for them.